Your Handy List of Potassium Rich Foods And Healthy Diets

What Can Potassium Rich Foods Do for Me?

Part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preserving the function of your body involves knowing what your body needs. There are many essential vitamins and minerals which your body needs to remain healthy and strong, and in order to supply your body with those things you must be aware of what your body needs. Many people take mineral supplements or vitamin tablets to make up for any vitamins or minerals missing from their diets but the best option is to use natural sources. Minerals like potassium are very important in maintaining the function of your body and, if you do not know how important they are or how to include them in your diet, you may end up feeling the negative repercussions. To make a change and boost your health, begin by asking this simple question – what can potassium rich foods do for me?

What potassium does for your body

As the third most abundant mineral in your body, potassium keeps your organs in good condition by regulating blood flow and fluid levels. Having adequate potassium intake can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke because it neutralizes acids and restores alkaline salts into the bloodstream. Potassium also acts as a natural pain desensitizer, controlling headaches and convulsions, and promotes quicker healing of bruises, cuts, and scrapes. Because potassium is stored in the muscles with no reserves, you need to maintain daily intake of potassium in order to receive all of these health benefits.

Where potassium comes from

Potassium can be found in many of the foods you probably already consume every day. Vegetables like potatoes, asparagus, tomatoes, avocadoes, and carrots are rich in potassium and fruits such as bananas, prunes, apricots, oranges, kiwi, cantaloupe, and all dried fruits are also potassium rich foods. Potassium can also be found in several common proteins like peanuts, soy, lima and pinto beans, salmon, beef, and dark-meat poultry. By consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day and limiting your intake of processed foods you can easily achieve an adequate dose of potassium.

How much potassium to include in your diet

Most studies show that a potassium intake between 2,000mg and 3,000mg per day is adequate. By regularly consuming potassium rich foods you can easily reach this goal but, if you need a little help, potassium supplement tablets are available. Potassium supplements generally come in doses of 99mg, a dosage which should not be exceeded because it can lead to stomach irritation. Having too little potassium in your diet can lead to fatigue and weakness in addition to more serious symptoms such as heart palpitations, diabetes, difficulties breathing, and high blood pressure. Having too much potassium in your system can be dangerous as well, leading to irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, stomach cramps, irritability, even heart failure. In order to avoid these afflictions it is important to become aware of the importance of potassium in maintaining your body’s health function and to include potassium rich foods in your everyday diet.